if*/*/*/

[ɪf]

conjunction

1) in a possible or imagined situation used for introducing a situation when you are talking about its likely or imaginary results

If we miss the last bus, we'll have to walk home.[/ex]

If Luke paid more attention at school, he would get better results.[/ex]

If I had known who he was, I wouldn't have spoken to him like that.[/ex]

I'd like to be back here by 10.30 if possible.[/ex]

What if the boss walked in here now and saw us?[/ex]

2) when sth is always true used for introducing a situation that always has the same effect or meaning

I get a headache if I watch too much television.[/ex]

If you drive without insurance, you're breaking the law.[/ex]

3) whether used when you are asking or talking about something that is not certain

She asked me if I was fond of music.[/ex]

Can you tell me if they're planning to come?[/ex]

I haven't decided if I want to play.[/ex]

4) saying why sb may need information used for introducing the reason that you think someone may want to know something

There are plenty of taxis if you're in a hurry.[/ex]

If anyone asks you where I am, I'll be in the library.[/ex]

5) saying how you feel about a possibility used for saying how you feel about the possibility that something may be true

I'm sorry if I've upset you.[/ex]

I don't care if I never see her again.[/ex]

6) in requests spoken

used when you are politely asking someone to do something, or when you are asking for permission

I would be grateful if you would send me further details.[/ex]

If you don't mind, I'd like to sit at the back.[/ex]

•

if I were you — spoken used when you are giving someone advice[/ex]

If I were you, I'd stay away from that man.[/ex]

if only — spoken used for saying that you would like a situation to be different[/ex]

If only we could afford to buy a place of our own.[/ex]

See:

as